Paw Care for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

Your dog’s paws are like his shoes. If your shoes were cracked, broken, or otherwise unrepaired, you’d probably be, at best, uncomfortable and possibly in pain.

It’s quite common for pet owners to ascertain their dog’s bodies as relatively self-sustaining, but many external factors can affect their health and happiness. The weather should be taken into consideration when planning your dog’s outdoor activities.

Dog boots and protective waxes are popular within the colder months. As a Canadian, I even have experienced firsthand the ravaging effects of a harsh Canadian winter, but we frequently overlook what proportion damage our summers can do, too.

What to seem Out For

Think about walking down the road barefoot on a typical August afternoon. Ouch, right? Well, imagine how your dog feels on his daily walks. Most dogs aren’t complainers, so you'll not even realize the damage directly.

The heat from walking or running on pavement can burn the skin on the pads of their feet. this will end in cracked, raw, and tender tissues. Pain-related to paw burns can reduce activity and affect mobility. If not corrected, it can cause permanent damage.

Not every province experiences blistering summer heat, but Canada still gets pretty darn hot. Come May- or even more like June- we put away our mittens and toques and whip out the flip flops and sunscreen.

We understand how the sun and warmth can affect us and the way to guard ourselves, but what are we doing to guard one among the foremost sensitive spots on our dog’s bodies? the solution isn't enough, but we will assist you to change that.

How to Heal Burnt Paws

Take an honest check out your dog’s paws. If your dog has been showing signs of pain after a summer walk, it probably means he has burnt or damaged his pads in how already.

If the damage is minor and superficial, then confirm to wash the areas to get rid of bacteria and stop the infection. Gently scrub the wound using soap and water. Avoid alcohol-based cleaners and disinfectants as they're going to sting. aside from that, they will dry out the damaged area of the pad further.

Dry the world and keep your dog indoors or on soft surfaces for each day or two. this is often to permit the skin to partially heal.

Deeper or larger wounds may have to be wrapped with sterile gauze or bandages until the healing process is well underway. attempt to discourage your dog from licking at, chewing on, or scratching thereupon paw while it's healing. this may prevent bacteria from stepping into the wound and reduce the danger of infection.

Once the world is freed from any open wounds, apply a topical conditioning treatment to moisturize the pad and permit the world to heal fully. copra oil and burn plants are great natural topical treatments. they're gentle and safe to ingest if your dog licks that paw after application. Resume normal outdoor activities, but avoid pavement and extreme heat.

If the damage to the paw is causing pain, limiting mobility or is getting worse, then it’s imperative that you simply take your dog to the vet. Open wounds can cause infections and, when left unattended, can become more severe conditions.

Proper Paw look after Dogs

It’s time to start out helping your dogs put their best foot forward, or rather, onto the grass, into a shoe, or back inside until the sun isn’t baking the asphalt.

Here are four tips for fortifying Fido’s feet in order that you'll both enjoy summer fun within the sun.

Pick a far better time to adventure

If the weather is hitting 20+ C within the blistering midday sun, it’s best to attend until a cooler a part of the day for outdoor activities. Early morning and dusk are great times to catch a number of the sun’s cooler rays. If you'll cook a prod the sidewalk, then you would possibly just cook your dog’s paws, too.

Protect your dog’s paws

Paw protection comes in many forms, but running boots for dogs will provide the foremost effective protection. they're going to take some getting won't to but will prevent paw burns better than any topical protector.

Running boots may look almost like winter dog boots, but with a couple of key differences:

Not fleece-lined like winter boots

Often have a flatter textured bottom to supply grip

made up of breathable materials and won’t overheat your dog’s paws

That being said, boots should be the last item you set on, and therefore the very first thing you're taking off after your outing. If the weather is beginning to calm down otherwise you are not any longer walking on a hot surface, be happy to get rid of the boots.

Find some shade and keep off the pavement

Paved trails are very attractive to runners and supply an easy route for a routine walk, but they're typically exposed to tons of sunlight. Instead, find a grass or dirt path with some tree cover. These areas are going to be cooler for your dog’s paws and even as fun to steer, run, or hike.

Pet-safe pest repellents are an honest investment as cooler and wooded areas will host more mosquitoes and other annoying pests.

Condition your pet’s paws

Before and after walks, apply a conditioning wax to their pads. confirm it's fully absorbed before you hit the bricks. Not only will it protect their pads from wear, tear, and heat, it'll help heal cracked and damaged pads, too.

Keep hydrated

Dehydration affects your dog’s skin, including their pads. to scale back dryness and help the healing process, encourage your dog to drink often. Always bring a source of water on any outdoor adventure. the warmer the weather, the more important water becomes.

Choose the answer That’s Right for You

For dogs that aren’t comfortable with you touching their paws, these practices will have an adjustment period. Go very slow and keep high-value treats available to reward whenever your dog allows you to touch their paws.

Not every paw care routine is true for each dog or every location. Try them bent to see which one protects your dog the simplest. weather can limit the chance for outdoor fun, but do your best to take care of your dog’s physical routines. Try adding indoor games and exercise or rearrange your schedule to shift playtime to raised times of the day.

Paw protection can extend and improve summer playtime and encourage your pet to remain active. Make the foremost out of your dog’s days of summer by implementing a paw care routine.